Governance

Information Technology Governance provides the structure and framework that connect IT resources and information to enterprise goals and strategies. Northeastern’s IT governance model ensures that the university’s technology assets are aligned to the mission and support its teaching, research, global engagement and business services goals. The governance process is intended to be flexible and agile with expeditious paths to decision making. The primary committee for decision making is the Information Technology Executive Committee (ITEC). Other work groups and committees are intended to support the strategic work and decisions of the IT Executive Committee. The overall governance model is outlined below (click to enlarge):

IT Planning and Decision Making Bodies

IT Executive Committee (ITEC)
The Information Technology Executive Committee (ITEC) provides oversight for all strategic IT decisions that enable the implementation of the University’s long range plan, ensuring that the University makes the best possible decisions in advancing the use of technology to meet its mission, vision and goals. The IT Executive Committee:

Ensures key strategic initiatives are moved forward and helps to resolve resource conflicts in a timely fashion

Launches special interest task forces to explore and make recommendations on particular issues and initiatives

Ensures the governance and exploration of new services as well as the sun-setting of services that have reached end of life.

Reviews and provides input and direction to the IT strategic plan

Champions and helps communicate University Strategic initiatives

Supporting Workgroups and Committees

The primary focus of the work groups and committees is to support the vision and strategic direction set by the Information Technology Executive Committee (ITEC).

Academic and Research
Academic and research related initiatives are managed and brought forward to the IT Executive Committee by the Provost Office or designee. Some examples of types of initiatives are: classroom renovations, learning management systems, lecture capture, e-portfolios, classroom and audio visual technology, computer labs, shared computational facilities, high performance computing (MGHPCC), research administration & compliance systems, college based academic initiatives and etc.

Student, Business Services & IT Infrastructure Committee
The Business Services & Infrastructure Committee identifies and prioritizes technology-based solutions for shared business needs, ensures coordination on the effective use of information technology resources to meet the operational and strategic needs of the University. The committee is responsible for timely deployment of administrative and business information systems and supporting infrastructure for the benefit of the University. The Business Services & Infrastructure Committee represents the needs of the community for services including but not limited to:

Data Administration, Policy & Security Committee
The Data Administration, Policy & Security Committee will develop policy, standards and make recommendations on data usage, privacy, and security across University systems. It will make recommendations on improvements to the roadmap for the University’s identity management systems and underlying architecture. This team will own audit and compliance findings related to University data and will monitor the development of continuity plans for IT services. The committee will represent the needs of the community for services including: